About Globe Amaranth
A cheerful, heat-loving annual bearing small, round, clover-like flower heads in vibrant shades of magenta, purple, pink, white, and red. The flowers are papery and hold their color superbly when dried, making globe amaranth one of the most popular everlasting flowers. In Philippine culture, it is deeply associated with Undas (All Saints' Day on November 1), when bunches are sold at cemeteries across the country for decorating graves. Globe Amaranth belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and originates from Tropical Central and South America; widely naturalized in tropical Asia including the Philippines..
Globe amaranth holds a special place in Filipino culture as the 'Bulaklak ng Undas' — the flower of All Saints' Day (November 1). Every year, bunches of magenta and purple globe amaranth are sold at cemetery gates and flower stalls across the Philippines for grave decorations. Its ability to last for weeks without wilting, even without water, makes it ideal for this purpose. Commercially grown in Benguet, Pangasinan, Bulacan, and other provinces. Beyond Undas, it makes an excellent heat-tolerant garden annual and dried flower. Seeds widely available at Ramgo, East-West, and provincial garden supply stores. One of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to grow in the Philippine lowlands.
Also known as: Bachelor's Button, Makahiya (some regions).
Popular Varieties
- Gomphrena globosa 'QIS Purple' (tall, long-stemmed, deep purple — best for cutting)
- Gomphrena globosa 'Buddy Purple' (dwarf, compact, intense magenta)
- Gomphrena globosa 'Fireworks' (hot pink with elongated flower heads)
- Gomphrena globosa 'Ping Pong Mix' (large globes in mixed colors)
- Gomphrena globosa 'Audrey White' (pure white)
How to Plant Globe Amaranth in the Philippines
Globe Amaranth can be propagated through seeds. The recommended method is direct sowing — seeds germinate easily in warm philippine soil.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the fuzzy seed coat.
- Step 2: Sow seeds 5 mm deep in moist, well-draining soil or seed trays.
- Step 3: Keep warm and moist — germination occurs in 7-14 days.
- Step 4: Transplant seedlings to garden beds or containers when 8-10 cm tall, spacing 20-25 cm apart.
- Step 5: For Undas sales, time sowing approximately 10-12 weeks before November 1.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (at least 6 hours; more sun produces more flowers and sturdy stems). Position your globe amaranth where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water moderately, 2-3 times per week. Drought-tolerant once established. Reduce watering during rainy season. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-38°C (thrives in extreme Philippine heat — one of the toughest flowering annuals available). Tolerates high humidity well — perfectly adapted to Philippine conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing globe amaranth outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Light feeder. A single application of balanced fertilizer at planting is usually enough. Over-fertilizing promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Harvest flowers for drying by cutting stems long. Regular harvesting (or deadheading) encourages more blooms. Plants self-seed if flowers are left to mature.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. The flowers are used in some traditional herbal teas. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Sparse flowering
Cause: Too much shade or nitrogen-heavy fertilizer
Solution: Plant in full sun. Use bloom-boosting (high-phosphorus) fertilizer if needed. Cut back leggy stems.
Powdery mildew on leaves
Cause: Overcrowding and poor air circulation during humid rainy season
Solution: Space plants properly. Improve airflow. Apply fungicide if severe. Usually cosmetic and does not affect flower production.
Plants dying after heavy rain
Cause: Waterlogged soil and root rot
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil. Raise beds if drainage is poor. Container growing avoids waterlogging.
Short stems not ideal for cutting
Cause: Variety selection or harvesting too late
Solution: Choose tall-stemmed varieties like 'QIS' series. Harvest when flowers are just opening — stems are longest then.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Globe Amaranth in the Philippines?
Globe Amaranth needs full sun (at least 6 hours; more sun produces more flowers and sturdy stems). Water moderately, 2-3 times per week. drought-tolerant once established. reduce watering during rainy season.. Feed with light feeder. a single application of balanced fertilizer at planting is usually enough. over-fertilizing promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-38°C (thrives in extreme Philippine heat — one of the toughest flowering annuals available) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Globe Amaranth?
The recommended method is direct sowing — seeds germinate easily in warm philippine soil. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the fuzzy seed coat. Sow seeds 5 mm deep in moist, well-draining soil or seed trays.
Is Globe Amaranth toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. The flowers are used in some traditional herbal teas. Safe around children and pets.
Can Globe Amaranth grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Globe Amaranth grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Globe Amaranth?
Common issues include: Sparse flowering (caused by too much shade or nitrogen-heavy fertilizer — plant in full sun. use bloom-boosting (high-phosphorus) fertilizer if needed. cut back leggy stems); Powdery mildew on leaves (caused by overcrowding and poor air circulation during humid rainy season — space plants properly. improve airflow. apply fungicide if severe. usually cosmetic and does not affect flower production); Plants dying after heavy rain (caused by waterlogged soil and root rot — ensure well-draining soil. raise beds if drainage is poor. container growing avoids waterlogging).
Growing globe amaranth in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!